Good show, bad ending. TW: Violence & Gore
Dark Hole is a zombie apocalypse Kdrama with a slight touch of supernaturalism and fantasy with ths likes of Sweet Home but unlike Train to Busan which is a typically pure zombie drama.T W: As the name suggests, the drama is dark, gore and scary. If your over-sensitive and fragile, watch it with precautions.
The drama is set up in a semi-urban South Korean city, Muji in the Jeolla province and involves a number of characters that includes major, supporting, minor to very minor ones just like a survival series should have. The drama focuses on a city mass-survival efforts of different groups of people. The main plotline mentioned above also includes few other major plots for the lead characters and numerous subplots to fit in the concept of compelling individual's interred angst for someone who has done injustice to them.
Dark Hole is about an extra-terrestrial being with unlimited power of rapid mutation. The method of changing people into mutants is the transmission of spore like black substances via a foggy smoke which turns people into monsters with immense power. The purpose is to gain control over human beings.
The most prominent character is a detective who comes to Muji to catch a serial killer, an ex-policeman who works as a towman, chief of a sub- police station, a failed shaman always seeking authority over people, a highschool girl, victim of tragic incidents and a 10yo girl who lost her mother in that incident; everyone commonly sharing a cataclysmic past. Unlike Sweet Home where everyone was stuck in the same building, Dark Hole has different group of people stuck at different places trying to run away from the mutants as well as the black smoke and escape from one place to another. And in that courses, they're separated and unified multiple times.
Most important part about this drama is that the plot development and twists at any instances will make you doubt about the genre of the drama. At a point you'll think it's zombie horror, but next you'll assume it to be sci-fi and after a while it will feel it's supernatural and so on. The fact that the writer kept us intrigued till the end proves how great he's as a screenwriter. FYI, the Jung Yi Do jakka-nim is the writer of dramas like "Save Me" and "Strangers from Hell". And for the matter of fact, Kim Bong Joo pdnim has done a very great job as the director even though it's his first, so a big round of applause for him.
The major cast has done their roles pretty well, specifically Lee Joon Hyuk, for whom a majority of people took interest in this drama has undoubtedly played his charismatic and daring character throughout the drama giving a satisfying result. Also, Kim Ok Bin noona's fierce character is such a treat; her acting, the stunt scenes and the moments she had to deal with the monster in the void, everything was accurate. Oh Yu Jin, the one playing the highschool girl had a difficult task to do but she has done a remarkable job too. Im Won Hae as a police officer is bit namby-pamby yet manages to handle things by risking his life for the honor of his job.
Screen editing, connecting plots, proper organisation of subplot are very good in the drama but some things are making me complain which I am pointing out. Even though the drama is a mixture of so many subplots to keep it intense and eventful, the cause of the drama seemed lost when the drama was heading towards the end; few of the plots perished into nothingness.
Around the midway of the 10th episode, the plot gradually started fastening that gave the feelings that they're trying to rush things but still manageable till the end of 11th episode. But what happenes in the 12th episode which is the finale was totally disappointing. They rushed the entire thing; given that so many things happened in just that episode, they could have extended it to one more episode giving it a smooth goodbye but Idk where did it go wrong. This very good drama just turned into an average thing just because of that episode. This indeed is an missed opportunity and could have been a lotttt better. They simply could have otherwise pur less content which would have not made it look rushed.
I am actually sad that it turned out be this after showing us it's potential during the entire thing but overally, it's not a bad show. I would rate 8.5 to it if I don't consider the last episode.
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This review may contain spoilers
Hmmm........This is a super thrilling detective drama, with episodes leaving you thirsty for more action.
It's filled with twisted plots and the cinematography is just wonderful. Each episode has a different and unique plot, and the characters were wonderfully developed, each character development has a different background colour.
The music is the type that just keeps on replaying at the back of your mind, even after it has finished playing. I did really like to post the title of the track and all, but that would be a huge spoiler so.........
TEN is really a wonderful K-drama. Plus, it only has 10 episodes hehehe.
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office romance but better
let me preface by saying i love secretive romance, romance where couple has to hide that theyre together in a public setting, but in private everything is hot and heavy?? secretive eye contact that only they know the meaning of?? accidental but not really skinship??? them taking care of each other in their own way when no one else notices??? who doesn't love this!!!i love the actors hence the reason why i started watching them. was the high school setting needed when the actors are already in their 30s?? no i wish the cp age in the drama are set older instead of late 20s, dont be shy!! we need more proper adult romance!! i cringe watching the flashbacks bcs theyre just adults among teenagers buuuut it is cute nevertheless.
i think the romance is mature what with the start of the coupling, the eventual romance, incidents, third and many more parties interference, etc. they learn to become a couple eventually with better communcation with each other and not shying away from saying what needs to be said. the parents are good influence for them. this eventually helps them in their change of office dynamic where he becomes the direct boss and she as one of the employees. the characters have their flaws and problems yet it doesnt hinder their relationship, theyre supportive of each other respectful trustworthy. one of the better romance in cdrama
edit: finished and im glad the romance stays fluffy til the end. this is feel good romantic story with some (minimal) drama. ps: do read the webnovel its rly good!!
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This review may contain spoilers
The abundance of (epic) tragedy is KDrama at its finest - meanwhile the Joseon empire is born
"My Country - The New Age" is set in the historical transition period between the Goryeo era and the Joseon era. The context is General Yi Song-gye, who for the next approximately 5 centuries tied the throne to his bloodline with a coup d'etat. However, this KDrama isn´t a history lesson as such, though historical figures get involved. Also romance is not the predominant matter. ... First and foremost it's about loyalty, unconditional male friendship and love as its basis. Secondly, it is about relationships between fathers and sons. Thirdly it is about romantic love, too. Besides and as a backbone for the storyline´s dramatic dynamics it its about political attitudes, visionary leaders and the throne. Overall, "My Country - The New Age" is definitely worth seeing, yet you should be prepared for makjang-like emotional roller coasters.The actors significantly contribute to the intensity of the story. Above all, the charisma of Jang Hyuk as Lee Bang-won (the 5th son of General Yi and later 1st Joseon King), as well as Ahn Nae-sang as the fictional Nam Jeon, whose political stances are reminiscent of the historical Jong Do-jeon (the historical Jong Do-jeon and chief chancellor, who set the political, administrative and legal course for the newly blossoming Joseon Empire.)
----------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Lee Bang-won (later King Taejong) and Jong Do-jeon (first chief chancellor of the Joseon aera) ---
These two crucial historical personalities (Lee Bang-won and Jong Do-jeon) were both driving forces in those early years of the new empire with quite lasting impact, and at their time fundamental adversaries.
Jong Do-jeon as the first Joseon King´s chief chancellor decided all matters relating to military affairs, diplomatic procedures, questions of education, new legislation and constitution (the once feudal state was now organized in a bureaucratic manner), new tax laws as well as new state religion (Buddhism became Confucianism). He ultimately moved the capital to Hanyang (now Seoul). He also named the districts of Hanyang and the 8 provinces in the country and caused many slaves to be freed. He was a man with strong visions for an innovative political system in the new kingdom - and consequently implemented those (quite unscrupulously).
His opponent was Yi Bang-won, who did not want an empire with ministers being more important than the king. Rather, he prefered a powerful monarch, a solidly grounded monarchy. He was also one of those who had contributed most to his father's successful coup d´etat. However, the latter had finally disappointed him by not choosing him as his successor. After the Queen's death, Bang-won took advantage of his father's period of mourning and invaded the palace. In doing so, he killed the state chancellor, all ministers loyal to him and the children of the deceased queen as well as the crown prince, too. So he (also) took the throne by force - his father could only abdicate and reluctantly hand over the crown. However, as King Taejong, Bang-won effectively contributed to a stable system of government in his own way. Among other things, he enacted a law allowing all citizens to register and established new Ministries: of Human Resources, Finance, Protocol, Defence, Justice and Public Affairs.
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With Jang Hyuk as Lee Bang-won and Ahn Nae-sang as the fictional Nam Jeon, who to a certain extent represents the ideas of Jong Do-jeon, the KDrama paints a strong picture of the crucial conflict between those political visions from the very beginning. The actors live their roles with high intensity. We get to know more about their character in their respective relationships with the two protagonists Seo Hwi, son of a once-legendary soldier of the Goryeo Empire, and Nam Sun-ho, the illegitimate son by Minister Nam Joen. Since childhood they are best friends. Then there is a twist of fate. (Here, again: two actors with splendid performance - Yang Se-jong and Woo Do-hwan.) Minister Nam Jeon alone is responsible for the twist of fate in this friendship, but Prince Bang-won becomes a free rider in this.
In short: "My Country: The New Age" offers an epic, visually stunning story with a lot of action and emotion, worth seeing sword fights (actor Jang Hyuk does the stunts all by himself), plenty of blood and even more emotion. Yes, of course there are also women and love involved ... The abundance of (epic) tragedy is KDrama at its finest.
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It was good till it was not.
Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get. Success and happiness doesn't necessarily go hand in hand but what matters is how you strive to maintain a balance between them as well as thrive with a content heart.Drama series UNCLE is a remake of the UK television series of the same title that aired on Channel 4 in 2012 and BBC One from 2014 to 2017, created by Oliver Refson and Lilah Vandenburgh. Its a mixture of comedy, melodrama, music and makjang. The Korean remake is produced by 2 companies "Hi Ground" and "Monster Union", broadcasted on TV Chosun.
UNCLE is a story about a failed musician who takes over his sister for taking care of his nephew and the family who move into an apartment complex as renters while trying to escape from their abusive family. The story includes the uncle trying to rise in his failed career as well as trying to protect his nephew from all the odds created by the ruthless Granny and the sly group of mothers, namely "Momblies".
Wang Joon Hyuk (Oh Jung Se) despite his failed music career due to fraud and betrayal by his friends and family is a sincere and selfless person always ready to lend a helping hand to the needy. Already distanced from his family, he initially hesitates to meet them but eventually embraces them with all his love. Min Ji Hoo (Lee Kyung Hoon) is a kind-hearted kid with OCD who gets panic attack even by thinking about his granny. He's inclined to music just like his uncle and loves his mother so much. He takes his time getting used to his uncle and later on becomes so fond of him that he can't imagine his life without his beloved uncle.
Wang Joon Hee (Jeon Hye Jin) is a divorced lady who separated from her husband after being abused for 12 years by his in-laws, to protect her son who also was beaten mercilessly. Her character is something that wins heart by realistically expressing her emotional curves, a character with an unusual narrative. Park Hye Ryung (Park Sun Young) is a sly and manipulative lady who controls the group of rich mothers, called "Momblies" as it's "Diamond". With her connections and influence she can pull any thing off but chooses to veil her toxic life with lies.
Other good actors in major roles are Ju Kyung Il (Lee Sang Woo), Kim Yoo Ra (Hwang Woo Seul Hye) and Chun Da Jung (Jung Soo Young) as the residents of the apartment complex. Song Hwa Eum (Lee Shi Won) as the middle school teacher, Jang Ik (Ahn Suk Hwan), as the 'Hot Bar' owner, Shin Hwa Ja (Song Ok Sook) as the Chairperson of Gangto Money and Ji Hoo's Granny, Min Kyung Soo (Yoon Hee Suk) as Ji Hoo's father.
Among other major child actors are Ju No Eul (Yun Hye Bin), Ye So Dam (Kim Ha Yun), Shin Min Ki (Go Kyung Min) and Park Se Chan (Park Shi Wan).
Plot development in overal is just fine. The introductory episodes were impressive though the screenplay didn't seem usual and it was difficult to decipher whether it'll be a sitcom or melodrama themed. Progression was also good despite very typical elements used; it might seem like a makjang but it's actually not. Personally, I liked it a lot for the first half and it continued to be entertaining even after interval, until the 10th episode where it started going downhill.
The major characters suddenly become dumb out of nowhere, unable to decipher the conspiracies by the antagonist side. It takes at least 2 episodes for them to figure things out and then their strategies to counterstrike them were even more typical, which even became very repetitive. The final outcomes by the end of 14th episode weren't very impressive and didn't keep up the interest for the finale week. And trust me, the finale week was even more underwhelming.
Despite the shoddy decline towards the ending, one thing that remained constant was the love uncle had for his nephew, which, in fact, saw an uprise in the graph. Many scenes involving the heart-touching interactions between many characters were emotional. The story involves many elements such as: failed marriage, abusive relationships, mental health of children, bad parenting issues, greed for power and money, teenage pregnancy, toxic relationships, devotion for music, ideal teaching techniques,
Ji Young Soo PD-nim and Park Ji Sook jakka-nim have fair share of experience in the industry; even though the drama isn't that good, their skills were well-utilized. The screen-editing, play management and execution is well taken care of. The writing was a bit off and I think the major issue was turning a sitcom into melodrama. The screenplay is surely full of comical elements for most of its parts but it wasn't portrayed as a sitcom to begin with. 3/4th of the story is okay but the last quarter becomes shoddy.
There 12 OSTs in total with 3-4 tracks used as a drama version (as Joon Hyuk is a singer) which are sung by Sangmin Chu to keep a consistent voice for J. KING. "Your Dream" by Sangmin Chu is my most favourite followed by "Living Together" by Sangmin Chu and Lee Kyung Hoon (Ji Hoo). Sangmin Chu has also sung "Even if we break up", "Time to say goodbye" (drama version), "On The Beach" and "By your side". "BLUE BIRD" by Lunch, "Stay with me" by Lee Kyung Hoon (Ji Hoo), "Love Sign" by Lizia and "Not Alone" by Bae Sung Yoon are some other tracks from the drama. "Butterfly" sung by the child actors of the drama is so cute.
Overally, "UNCLE (엉클)" is a good one time watch. Too many characters and incomplete arcs were the limitations of the drama and it went downhill in the later half but it's not really bad having so many heart touching moments. The first half (or let's say till 10th ep) was a fairly balanced watch. Can't say it's a must watch or something but it doesn't really offer something exciting or impressive to look forward to, either.
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What a hilarious ride!
So let me tell you first... it doesn't have anything special in the story coz it's pretty much a whole mess. Plus it is a very very low-budget drama so if you like beautiful sets, costumes, and all other things... then it's not the right place to find coz you'll be disappointed at the end of the day. It doesn't have anything which can count as great or amazing.BUT it doesn't mean it's not worth watching. You just have to switch off your brain for a while and enjoy this hilarious ride, it's so funny and interesting. Five brothers what's say about them lol.. the twins nailed in their chemistry, and the kid haha I really liked him. And yeah hats off to FL for her expressions coz they were priceless.
So if you are looking just for fun.... and entertainment nothing more than that, then go for it!
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This review may contain spoilers
Do not watch this drama thinking it will be like Prince of Lan Ling. That drama is focused on Lan Ling King himself while this drama is like part-fantasy of both kingdoms and who will conquer the world once they unlock the secret using the mirror and sword (forgot their names), and the female lead's love life.This drama started out quite interesting but after she met Lanling King, I think the plot became really repetitive. She became really indecisive between both men and went back and forth several times, which I thought was really unnecessary. They could have cut that down a bit so the drama wouldn't be so lengthy, too. Beware, this drama starts out *very* cliche and unrealistic. Just a warning, both love-lines are pretty cruel romances and the sweet moments don't last long.
As for the characters, you have the typical cold-hearted main male lead (Yu Wenyong) who slowly warms up and is very protective, and you have the typical kind second male lead (Lanling King) who's always there to save the day. The main female lead is also the typical girl who doesn't lose to anyone easily and plays around to annoy you. Yu Wenyong has quick character development, followed by the main female lead; however, I didn't see much development for Lanling King. Going on a tangent, I think Lanling King's role was poorly written in this drama because he's known for being smart and strategic, but here he seems to be weak in planning and always listens to whatever everyone else suggests. He doesn't have a stance and can't do anything on his own will.
The acting was alright overall. I think some crying scenes were a bit forced and cringe-worthy, but otherwise it was bearable. Nothing was super unnatural or out of frame. The music is very nice and suits the scenes. There's pretty much just the opening theme and ending theme; the former used more with Yu Wenyong and the latter used primarily with Lanling King--it's like their personal songs. Overall, I personally like Yu Wenyong more so if I were to rewatch, I would just skip to his scenes because it's really heartwarming to see a cold playboy turn into a loving and protective man.
TLDR; This drama is watchable but does get long and draggy in the middle. There were lots of unnecessary parts of the plot and cliches, but I think it is still a pretty good watch. This drama is definitely not for you if you want to see the female lead end up with one guy quick (because she's wishy-washy).
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This drama was a hot mess for a lot of reasons...
This drama was a hot mess for a lot of reasons, but the most glaring being the FL's "character". She was a hardened last-man-standing against an entire army GENERAL who is going back in time to STOP a devastating WAR. And from episode 2 on... she's only a frail little girl who speaks softly, worries about trivial crap, and never does anything outstanding as a LEAD. Nothing outstanding as a GENERAL. Nothing even remotely resembling someone on a MISSION to save the future. She isn't badass. She doesn't fight much. She doesn't scheme at all. She doesn't even come up with ANY real plans of her own. Disappointment is an understatement. & let's not even start on the messy storyline and absolutely incomprehensible time travel element... because this drama just uses it as a ploy and doesn't follow any type of rules of engagement. We have WAY more questions "What happens if..." now that when we even started. The only good thing in this drama was the FL's beauty & the ML's flawless acting. Seriously HATE him in Princess Agents... like wanted him to die a slow and painful death hate, but there is no doubt he's an epic antihero! He's a FABULOUS actor!BUT... even as an antihero, he had MAJOR flaws. Ones in the script, not in his acting.
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The ML is supposed to be an antihero, I'm guessing. A TRUE ML antihero who isn't afraid to do a LOT of bad things to make "right" or get revenge on some bad guys. HOWEVER... that means (in this drama at least) that he is willing to USE, HURT, & MANIPULATE the FL to further his agenda. I *get* that he knows she can't DIE, however... him whipping her and hurting her physically (she feels PAIN, DUDE!) just to shrug it off, like "well you'll heal anyway & that's the only way I could think to get you out" EW.
Not only that, but he is CONSTANTLY manipulating her, using her, putting her in danger JUST for his own benefit. These traits are NOT attractive EVEN in an ANTI-HERO ML.
The ONLY way the episodes that have aired so far would work with the ML KILLING her, hurting her, using her, etc... is IF they wrote it to where he is willing to do all this because he doesn't REALIZE YET that he loves her. THEN (maybe) we could understand/connect with the ML later when he figures out his feelings and then REGRETS his past actions. This drama has left NO room for that and completely cut out the opportunity for character growth in that regard.
I WILL say that he gets better (later) in the drama, but it's like a switch flipped and weird. Not a natural transition of falling in love and regretting past actions and moving forward to love & protect. Instead, it's like... use/abuse/all for the greater good then POOF like it never happened, I'm the perfect slightly damaged ML who is just misunderstood. Such an unnatural shift that you NOTICE the shift as it happens.
Sad about this drama. Such epic potential.
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I also really loved how relatable it is, and throughout the series, the overall message is that every love story may or may not have a good ending which is a very relatable message. The overall thing I hate with this drama is the second lead syndrome you get, it just breaks my heart. This series was truly a masterpiece though. The soundtrack is very memorable, and I am obsessed with this.
And lastly, the acting was amazing and everybody had chemistry. I really loved this series and I recommend it to anybody. I would definitely rewatch it infinite times if I could.
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The Sweetest Slice of Life Drama
First off, it takes a lot for a show to keep me invested for 16 episodes; I do not complete most of the shows that I watch because I often lose interest, and, after a week of working hard, I often don't feel pushed to pick up a show again on the weekend when I have time to watch TV. I am still surprised this show kept me captivated for all of the 16 episodes. I kept coming back every weekend (it's the only time I can watch). Many people don't seem to like the show or appreciate it, so let me clarify who this show is meant for.This show is meant for:
-People who like slice of life: Nothing much happens in this show; you just go about 4 teenagers living their lives at a vocational school. All four have dreams, and we witness them work hard to chase what they want in life.
-People who like to see relationships slowly unfold: This is especially true of the second couple. You see them become friends; and then you see them get closer to each other. You actually see them fall in love,and you understand why they fall in love with each other. This is the highlight of the show for me. There is no love at first sight or rushing of feelings here; both of the romances are sweet and portrayed with sensitivity.
-People who want to see relationships done well: There are no silly breakups; there is no toxic behavior or selfishness. You get to see 4 teenagers facing their feelings head on, acting on their feelings, and being respectful of each other's wants. I also loved that no one allowed their feelings to impact their dreams; both FLs stood by their guy; they were loyal and loving. That never impacted their attention to their futures, and I loved that. Your romantic relationships should never get in the way of your ability to make a future for yourself. The men were also very loving and respectful to the woman in their life. They never over-stepped or pushed, and they always respected what their girlfriend wanted.
-People who want to see characters develop: In the beginning, Youngjoo was a sullen kid, angry with everyone, and friendless. By the end, he admitted to his faults; he encouraged Seoyoung to chase her dreams; and he had a friend group who had his back. In the beginning, Seoyoung was single-minded about going to college. I loved her ambition, but she was the type to give up everything to achieve her dream. Now, she realizes that achieving one's dreams at the cost of someone else is not worth it. She can go to university without having to ruin an innocent family to do so. I love that they each brought out the best in each other. Individually, they are both better people now than when they started. I think this is what makes School 2021 special for me; they took everyday tropes, and they carried them out with sensitivity and nuance.
Do NOT watch this show if:
-You want action, drama, or anything complicated
-You want a plot that is new or creative in any way (this is a show where high schoolers act like high schoolers; you just see them go about their days.).
Not only was I charmed by the show; I would say it is one of my top 5 kdramas. You're really missing out if you don't watch it. Also, the first episode is a bit slow; give it 2 or 3 episodes before you judge.
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2-Storyline/Plot : Many would think that the story of an idol falling for a normal girl is so common and cheesy but this film story took a different level since it focused on finding a soulmate through music so the plot's setting was sort of unique. However, the romantic side wasn't satisfying since the story's development didn't focus on many important elements.
The music in here was amazing: a combination between classical Chinese music and the modern Chinese pop; I don't really focus on any film/drama's music while watching especially Chinese ones but the music felt like a deep core in this film. Great job!!
3-Acting/Cast : Wang Leehom has done everything here: playing the dorkey, the famous, the smart, the dumb; he did a great job indeed.
The lead actress succeeded in playing the innocent simple character; The cast was good enough and the acting was satisfying.
4-The ending : A typical rom-com ending; nothing special about it.
5-My Impression: Whan I started watching this film, I didn't have any expectations for it but later on I surprised myself by liking it plus I was literally blown by the music, I never thought that it could've been that great.
6-Overall : If you're rom-com lover then you would like this.
If you like idol shows then you need to watch this.
If you like classical or modern Chinese music then you would love this.
If you like Wang Leehom then you really need to watch this.
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This review may contain spoilers
Painting A Painful yet Beautiful Gestures and Emotions into One Huge Canvas.
Visually this movie is really artistic, aside from the aesthetics and beautiful cinematography, the performances of the actors come out like a combined art in the movie, it's like they're painting a painful yet beautiful gestures and emotions into one huge canvas.Performance wise, the actors successfully conveying the messages of the story with their whole body, eyes, slight hands or shoulders movements, even the way they breathe can tell us the solid messages and emotions. Salute to all actors, no exceptions, even the child actors and the cameos, they show great acting quality, especially Song Kang Ho, Lee Ji Eun aka IU and Bae Doona.
We don't need to question any more about the acting quality Song Kang Ho has, there were one scene he walked while holding a doll after seeing his daughter, and he made me want to cry just by looking at his back. He is great and his all performances as Sanghyun, lead this movie so well.
I'm still shocked with IU, I actually didn't expect her to be this excellent for her movie debut. Her quality is multiple times better than her previous project, from facial expression, tones, gestures are all leveled up. Here she knows how to brings out enough portion of the emotions she has to show in every scene, and that looks visually poetic. There were not many scene where we can see Soyoung having a long physical contact with her own baby, Woosung, but once it happen -although it might look awkward, which is realistic, since Soyoung herself is an unprepared young mother- you can feel the hidden affections and the maternal instinct she has toward her baby, as a mother myself, i can clearly see it, maybe the other moms who watch this movie will feel the way i do.
The chemistry she has with Dong Soo is like a sweet bonus we get from the movie, proving that even without a physical contact you can still feel the butterflies by only seeing the image of Soyoung and Dongsoo in one frame. People keep mentioning the Ferris Wheel scene, yes it's so touching and heart breaking and i cried, but you'll actually see more of it throughout the movie.
Bae Doona as Soojin is not shown really often in the movie, but there were one scene where she has a conversation on the phone with someone, we don't really know who or what that other person says to her but her whole expression and tone in that scene is like telling a huge pain she has been dealing, whatever it is.
Story wise, it is kinda slowburn, up until half of the story. Surely it's not the type of movie that would make you cry a river, leave us in lots of angst nor laugh the hell out. It stays in the middle but if we see it in a positive way, actually with that we can slowly understand their wound and clearly see the emotion transitions in each character, also how they develop, personally it helps me to catch the feeling throughout the movie.
There were no long or difficult to understand narrations and dialogues, but almost every dialogues come with huge impact and weight.
Like everyone else's favorite, the "Thank you for being born" that said with IU's voice it's so precious, and i cried when the kiddo Hyejin say it to her in return.
In the end of the story, all of the characters here trying to find the best way to protect baby Woosung, it's heartbreaking and beautiful in the same time.
With this movie, Koreeda is trying to tell us not every woman who gave birth to a baby has an ability to be a mother, but every children that born deserves to receive protection and love from the adults around them. And that an action most people consider as irresponsible might be the best way to protect someone.
I watched this with my husband and our baby boy, my hubby cried a little at Soyoung and Soojin conversation inside the car. And on the way home he thanked me for giving birth and spending most of my time taking care of our son.
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The best part of the show for me was Chris Wu who was awesome and such a treat to watch. His character Huo Ting En was smart, mature, thoughtful,a great mentor and respected the heroine's opinions and decisions. Also the female lead was intelligent and spunky and not annoying like most of the female leads in Taiwanese dramas.The chemistry between the leads was crackling and the bromance between Huo Ting En and Peng Xiao Bin was really fun. The second leads are also not irritating and there are no out and out villans in the drama. Not a bad show in any way but would have become a favorite had it ended a couple of episodes early.
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And in one day its love
I started this show by accident, I had no plans to actually watch it. It was the BEST accident that has ever happened. Although, this review will be ongoing and is subject to change. I would say this is fast becoming one of my TOP 5 favorites of all time. I have not been disappointed by anything, the development of the story, or the lessons along the way. I always want more, I cannot wait for the next episode and sometimes it leaves me thinking of positive things I could consider within my own life. Can't ask for much more, except please hurry and show the next episode. :) So far I am in love!Was this review helpful to you?
To Catch a Thief
Cui Xingzhou, the mighty Prince Huaiyang has been trying to catch a thief, the slippery bandit Lu Wen for some time. He stumbles upon a comatose Liu Mintang and like all princes, he simply cannot let sleeping beauties lie. Convinced she must be the beloved mistress of his nemesis, he rescues her intending to use her as bait. Conveniently, she has amnesia and mistakes him for her husband ! Thus this cold and formidable fief lord awkwardly assumes the persona of an indolent and not terribly successful merchant who dotes on his wife. Miantang's true colors emerge as a determined and capable business woman with an scary knack for turning hairpins into lethal weapons. It seems Xingzhou may have bitten off more than he can chew as it becomes clear Miantang has secrets and hidden depths that she herself barely remembers. Meanwhile his elaborate charade and lies keep snowballing until eventually half the town is complicit. What ensues is the kind of comedy of errors that arises when hero syndrome meets analysis paralysis. Complicating matters, her memory and past life catches up with them just as they both become invested in their fake domestic bliss and fall for each other. How will they to resolve their past grievances and make a life together as their true selves?What I appreciate most about this drama is both Xingzhou and Miantang are grey characters who have agency if not free will. They are well matched in terms of cunning, intellect, ability and ruthlessness. I enjoyed watching them work against each other almost as much as I enjoyed their working together. As someone who loves dark characters, I wish they toned down the comedy and dived into a darker and more passionate exploration of their undeniable chemistry and stunning visuals. While Zhang Wanyi is an exceptional character actor, comedy is not his forte. His expressions and delivery is almost too textbook perfect and his comedic timing lacks spontaneity. He pauses for too long to let the punchline sink in when he should keep going as the audience already got it and is waiting for the next joke. The humor is straightforward and not that sophisticated so it needs to unfold at a fast pace to hold audience interest. To speed things along, I watched most of this drama at 1.25 speed, something I almost never do. The comedy also masks that Xingzhou is quite a dark character that does controversial things to Miantang, manipulating her to the point of gaslighting. Zhang Wanyi could have pulled off a darker portrayal in an absolutely riveting and charismatic way so that is an opportunity missed. Nonetheless, he is compelling as a powerful and complicated fief lord who to his chagrin, falls in love with the enemy; a most unlikely and unsuitable woman.
Wang Churan is a vivid beauty and her comedic timing is more instinctive than Zhang Wanyi's. Her portrayal of the amnesiac Miantang is natural and charming. However, her character transitions after Miantang recovers her memory could be better written and portrayed. Part of the problem is in the novel, Xingzhou crosses some lines that he does not cross in the drama. Thus Miantang's rage and sense of betrayal is disproportionate to what actually happened. The stabbing scene was undeserved and this kind of violence is off-putting and has no place in a story where the couple is not breaking up for good. Beyond that, Miantang is a worldly character, a rebel who was on fairly intimate terms with Ziyu without much regard for her reputation. She played in the same sandbox with the big boys so it was baffling to see her go so full on girl angry at Xingzhou, who was just doing his job. These are mostly writing issues but there is also something lacking in the acting. Wang Churan was not able to reflect the character's evolution and approached it as if Miantang became a different person. There are unspoken ways to convey that at the core, Mianting is still the same Miantang; that the person Xingzhou fell for is still there. A more experienced actress would have used micro-expressions and subtle character traits to achieve this. And then just as inexplicably after the angst drags on long enough, she becomes sweet and forgiving domestic Miantang again! Since Wang Churan is new to lead roles and she is so lovely, I am happy to be forgiving. Nonetheless this diminishes Xingzhou as a character and made him appear no less a foolish, love brain than Ziyu. I am also left with a nagging concern that Miantang may be bipolar!
Even though this drama has some interesting and unique ideas and is refreshing in the way women are portrayed, I found it to be a bland watch overall. Despite some fun and memorable moments, the plot arcs are shallow and rehash well known battle for the throne tropes. Which is fine if the character arcs are well done but while the main characters are complex, they are dumbed down by the comedic focus. Miantang is inconsistently written; she starts out as a strong and independent woman who doesn't need to get married to have a fulfilling life. She abandons Ziyu's cause without a backward glance, abandons her revenge arc after a half-hearted attempt to infiltrate the palace, takes over an escort business before deciding she liked playing house best. At the end, I couldn't figure out what she was about. The character I enjoyed best turned out to be Shi Xueji. She finds so much joy in life's simple pleasures, is resilient and her quiet wisdom and dignity impressed me as much as Miantang's inconsistencies did not. I loved how the actress conveyed a layered character with deep and moving emotions via subtle expressions and a gentle smile that radiates with unbridled happiness. I also quite enjoyed Ziyu's character but the second couple was coma inducing and completely irrelevant to the story.
The drama finishes strongly at the climax in both the conspiracy and character arc but doesn't change the fact that despite its fresh premise it did not have enough substance to support 40 episodes. It would have been a more enjoyable watch at a tight 24 episodes or if they had engaged in a deeper and darker exploration of the characters. Nonetheless if you don't over analyse, it is very entertaining as a light romantic watch with phenomenal acting by Zhang Wanyi. My rating is 8/10 but I can see romance fans rating it a bit higher.
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